H. Upmann 175 Anniversary

Altadis USA has entrusted A.J. Fernández with the honor of crafting a special smoking experience in commemoration of the H. Upmann brand's milestone 175th anniversary. Fernández responded by showcasing a Nicaraguan puro blend, harvested from his own farms throughout Nicaragua. For the finishing touch, the blend was wrapped in a medio tiempo wrapper—a feat not commonly seen in the premium cigar market. This leaf is found on only one out of every 12 tobacco plants in A.J.'s farms, sprouting above the conventionally highest priming of ligero. Medio tiempo is known for its potent strength and flavor attributes, most commonly being incorporated into the filler recipe of some of the cigar market's most limited projects. Fernández is said to have experimented with fermentation techniques in an effort to bring elasticity to the hearty leaf, sandwiching the tobacco between Connecticut Broadleaf in frequently rotated pilones.

One of the things that I love about creating new blends, is the constant learning about tobacco. Working with AJ Fernández and the rarest wrapper in the world, Medio Tiempo, has definitely been a unique and rewarding experience. There are great cigars and then there is the H. Upmann 175th Anniversary blend. An unforgettable cigar.

—Rafael Nodal, Head of Product Capability for Tabacalera USA